James Sansom

Portland quarryman - now stretcher bearer with 230 Field Ambulance, writing for arts project @VoicesFrom1918 blogging at

[James Sansom @JamesSansom230]

We are having an easy time now - no parades, get up what time we please and the people are very good to us. We get plenty of sport, have several concerts and a good time generally. At Xmas plenty to eat and drink for those who like it and we spend a lot of time with the villagers

[James Sansom @JamesSansom230]

A lucky escape

[Mary Collier, Lady Monkswell @LadyMonkswell]

The destruction of everything. The Australians, desperate fighters but absolute savages and disobedient. His services were crowded and enthusiastic. He slept in a cellar while his tent - Church - was destroyed by a direct hit. @WW1IEPER1917 @ThisDayInWWI

[James Sansom @JamesSansom230]

Also available at a place close to my heart Portland - in White Stones cafe, Easton. I can’t wait to get home

[Sharon Hayden @shascreenplay]

Christmas Cards listen to @Alastair talking about 1918 #Christmascards @voicesfrom1918 @oliveharecourt https://t.co/pRwqhqYvj2

[James Sansom @JamesSansom230]

We move to Gammerages in Belgium about 30 kilos from Brussels. I go again in a motor for a joy ride. I and others are billeted in a water mill while we have our hospital in the village school. @WW1Centenary @WW1IEPER1917 @PortlandMuseum1

[James Sansom @JamesSansom230]

What a contraption - wouldn't mind a ride on one of them

[Voices from 1918 @VoicesFrom1918]

05.12.1918
Letter from Alfred Johnson to Essie: Tomorrow we are moving on and I shall have a long day with the caterpillars. [image: US Lib of Congress, War Secretary Newton D Baker riding artillery tractor July 1918] @IWM_Centenary @WW1IEPER1917 @britishlibrary

[James Sansom @JamesSansom230]

What a caper

[Voices from 1918 @VoicesFrom1918]

Wonderful letter from Capt Ambrose Pinney to Lady Mary - comparing life in France and Belgium, the comedy of smuggling prisoners back to the German line, and the Belge greeting British with bouquets and the Germans with bricks @DorsetArchives @ww1lives

[James Sansom @JamesSansom230]

12th November 1918
We move on from Ascq to follow up Jerry who is retreating fast and keep marching through Lille Tournai and other places until we reach the village of Frasnes lez Buissenal when we hear the Armistice was signed yesterday @PortlandMuseum1 #Armistice @ww1lives

[James Sansom @JamesSansom230]

November 12th 1918
We've just heard the news and are all on the lookout to see who should be home first.

[Mary Collier, Lady Monkswell @LadyMonkswell]

6.11.18
I read every item of the “terms” to Austria and gloat over each one. If Germany “wants terms she may apply to Marshall Foch”. The gusto with which old Clemenceau aged 77 must have said this in the chamber. My God, if Germany was giving us terms what would they have been

[Alastair Nisbet @alastair]

Excited to be supporting this performance @BridportArts on Thursday 11.30am with our research from @VoicesFrom1918 book tickets here: https://t.co/EiXJdF6bJd @NerysW @HLFSouthWest

[James Sansom @JamesSansom230]

Brave lad - I salute you #ww1centenary @DorsetArchives @PoppyLegion

[Voices from 1918 @VoicesFrom1918]

After six others were gunned down before him, Dorset’s Jack Counter dragged himself face down on the ground through barbed wire with a vital message for HQ. His action in April 1918 won him the VC for an act of bravery remembered in both Blandford and his later home of Jersey

[James Sansom @JamesSansom230]

Well done mate

[Mary Collier, Lady Monkswell @LadyMonkswell]

Sunday 27th Oct 1918 The news is too immense for private life.
Service 11 Good sermon from Mr Davies: we are to forgive the Germans where they repent and make full reparation (so there is no hurry) @DorsetArchives

[Mary Collier, Lady Monkswell @LadyMonkswell]

24.10.1918
Prince Max of Baden the German Chancellor makes use of the words “..go under with honour” Terrible words for Germany to hear. Balfour says the Huns shall not have their colonies restored to them in East and West Africa and New Brunswick near Australia @DorsetArchives

[Voices from 1918 @VoicesFrom1918]

Come and see me in Tommy’s Sisters on Nov 9,10,11 and hear about life at Dorset’s huge cordite factory. Double bill with The Gathering at Marnhull, Wimborne (tel [phone]) and Briantspuddle https://t.co/eLfWWLLpl6 @artsreach @HLFSouthWest @artsdevco @ActivatePArts @AdamGent1

[James Sansom @JamesSansom230]

23.10.18 We move again this time 50k to Aseq. I go in a motor instead of marching. We remain here while taking in wounded and having air raids. We are billeted in an old chateau in a ruined village. Rumours of peace all the time though the fighting is just as heavy @WW1IEPER1917

[James Sansom @JamesSansom230]

Lucky fellows

[Voices from 1918 @VoicesFrom1918]

...the liberated inhabitants are weeping on our necks, gardens filled with vegetables of all kinds. In the words of the poet we are quids in. The only trouble is trying to keep Lee & Gregson in order where the two Mademoiselles of the house are concerned @ww1lives @WW1IEPER1917

[James Sansom @JamesSansom230]

Hear hear - well said indeed

[James Sansom @JamesSansom230]

Sunday October 20th 1918
We have had three weeks at a village called Allouagne and although we have been hard worked we are out of the scrapping for a while. @VoicesFrom1918 @PortlandMuseum #OTD1918

[James Sansom @JamesSansom230]

And that the words and memories of those around him are being kept alive.